Covid-19: Many facing anxiety and depression during lockdown
The SADAG Facebook page also provides useful tips in coping with panic as well as self-help tips to help one manage through this time.
HIGHVELD – Many may be experiencing higher levels of anxiety and depression under lockdown.
Speak up
Mr Christo Botha, industrial psychologist in Secunda said people should not make impulsive decisions.
“During the time of economical strain, speak to your bank. Speak to people to whom you owe money, do not just keep quiet, but negotiate payments. If you have no food, contact your local Ward councillor to gain information about food schemes.”
“Employers are encouraged to continue to pay employees, but where this is not economically possible, government has created a special benefit under the Unemployment
Insurance Fund as per the Directive Covid-19 Temporary Employee/Employer Relief Scheme.”
Write it down
Ms Carin Olwagen, psychological counsellor from Evander said having to cope with Covid-19 is already a challenging experience and for those who have little support or are living alone, it may be a daunting experience.
“Adjustment is part of the process, but so is also having to cope with the emotional feelings of loneliness, hopelessness and sadness.
“Writing down one’s negative emotions, negative thoughts and negative behaviours is often a positive step into coping with one’s situation. Writing down the positive emotions, thoughts and behaviours that one wants to experience, is a means of focusing on the positive. This helps to “hear yourself speak” and “being there”, much like counselling is a means of having a “sounding board” to bounce off your thoughts and emotions to find clarity and gain objectivity.”
It is not easy to break a habit, and certainly not an addiction. People might experience bodily withdrawal symptoms, intense emotions of anger, anxiety, frustration and also depressive symptoms due to not feeding their negative habits to cope.”
Deal with withdrawal
“Acknowledging one’s problem is the first step in seeing positive outcomes. The help lines provided are also available for people struggling with addictions and knowing that there is support.
Engaging in healthy exercises and stretching at home can alleviate symptoms and focusing on finding new hobbies or work in and around the house will help to curb the feelings and emotions.”
How to cope with isolation
The South African Federation for Mental Health issued tips:
• Create routines and rituals for yourself.
• Listen to your favourite music.
• Pick reading material that will keep you engaged. Consider looking for books online.
• Exercise is essential for mental health. Build exercise into your daily routine.
• Limit your use of social media.
• Despite people practicing social distance and isolation, having conversations with someone you know can help recharge you and give you fresh, helpful perspectives on the world.
• As a parent, playing with your children gives you the chance to connect to those closest to you. Quality time like this is always a good investment.
• Sharpen your concentration skills and resist distractions.
• For those working from home, try creating a distraction-free environment.
• Set time aside for meditation and quiet contemplation.
Chat on Facebook
SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) also launched a daily Facebook Expert Chat where you can speak to a mental health professional live on their Facebook page from 1pm to 2pm and get free expert advice on any questions on mental health and coping with Covid-19 during the lockdown period.
The SADAG Facebook page also provides useful tips in coping with panic.
Help lines
• AA South Africa at 086 143 5722 or https://www.aasouthafrica.org.za/
• Mpumalanga Mental Health Society at 081 451 6788 or visit their Facebook page Mpumalanga Mental Health Society
• Carin Olwagen, at 076 734 8327
• Christo Botha, 017 631 1932
Also read: Covid-19: Victims of domestic violence help lines
